章 15: Giselle

"I'm Joe, I'm a student at Pokemon Tech."The boy introduced himself.

"Pokemon Tech?" Misty asked Joe, slightly curious. Misty thought it was very familiar but she couldn't remember where she heard that. Even thinking hard, Misty still couldn't find it.

"Well, It's a school that teaches young kids, how to train their pokemon," Joe answered.

"I see, but why did those guys bullying you?" Brock asked him this time.

"Ah, that huh, It was a stupid decision on my part. To prevent working hard I tried to play ignorant and become the bottom-ranked in class. I never thought it backfired to me, someone in school implemented a 'tutoring' program where those low-ranked students would need to partake in the program. Thus those upperclassmen earlier helped me." Joe's eyes lost light and his voice sounded like he was mocking himself.

Ash's party shut their mouth.

"Why didn't you stop being ignorant? You could've prevented the torturing program." Ash asked directly. He may sound inconsiderate but thinking rationally, that would have been the best decision. Unless...

"It's not like I don't want to. My classmate thought I was pretending to be smart and think I could get away from the so-called tutoring program. I'm not brave when those upper-class men confronted me, I couldn't do anything." Joe sighed exasperatedly.

Ash sighed. No matter where you go. Those who have that easy to bully face will not able to escape from the bullies.

"Condolence." Ash plainly said. He is not a hero who would save everyone just because they need saving. Although Joe has been bullied, he didn't have any injuries. Those bullies still have a conscience and know not to cross the line.

"Hey, don't speak like I'm dead. I'm lucky enough they didn't hit me." Joe retorted.

"Anyway, why didn't you confront the source of this program?" Ash asked.

"About that, many low-ranked students already applied complaints to the faculty but they didn't receive any answer. It's obvious that they acknowledge the program." Joe sadly complained. "Even if I want to complain it would be a waste of time."

Ash listened to this very talkative guy. He wanted to get away from this place. It spiels trouble.

"Hey Ash, can we visit for a moment?" Leaf whispered next to his ear. She notices that Ash wanted to escape from this place. However, Leaf's curiosity piqued.

Ash stared at her eyes for a few seconds. Leaf eyes turn into puppy eyes. Ash sighed.

"That's dirty! You know I can't refuse if you look at me like that." Ash grumbled at his weakness.

"Hehehe." Leaf cutely chimed. She knew that's very sneaky of her. "What do you think, Misty?"

"Hmm, maybe we should stop by. I feel like I have heard of this place before but I just can't put my finger on it." Misty put her index on her chin, thinking deeply.

"Good, let's go." Leaf's smile widened. Ash just sighs as he was pulled by her. He looks at Joe and asked.

"Is it okay to visit?"

Joe nods. It's not that uncommon for travelers to stop by. The school has an inn for the guest.

Brock and Joe curse inwardly. Lamenting their misfortune. 'Riajuu explode!'

Oblivious to what the two were thinking. Ash and his girlfriends proceed to approach the building they see. When they reached the building. It looks like a typical school building.

Someone is guarding the gate. As they approach closer to the gate, they were stopped.

"Halt! Who are you?"

"Hello Mister, I'm Joe. I'm a student here."Joe took out his ID and showed it to the guard. The guard looks behind Joe with a questioning look. Joe calmly added. "They are travelers and wanted to stop by."

The guard nods and lets them in.

"The security is kinda tight?" Ash said, amused.

"Well, last night someone sneaks into the school and tried to steal pokemon," Joe said without hiding anything.

Ash and his party look at each other. They have a feeling who were the burglars. They imagine the three idiots in their heads.

"Before we go to the Guesthouse. We need to meet the person in charge?" Joe said as he walks to the school entrance. Ash and his party followed him. "After getting your permission you can also tour around, there is various equipment that could help train your pokemon. "

Misty, Leaf, and Brock beamed. They don't know how effective the equipment this school has but they were sure it cannot compare to Ash's spartan training. The longer they observe Ash's training, the more they admit his method is effective. Only a few weeks had passed yet their pokemon became stronger than they used to be, especially Misty and Brock's pokemon.

They stopped in front of the door and Joe knock-on.

"Come in."

As the door opens, as usual, Brock disappeared from their side.

"Hello, beautiful! You are so gorgeous and charming, ah this fate! We are destined to be together!" Brock kneeled on one knee as he recited his flirting skills.

"Who let this vulgar man enter in my humble abode?" A sweet yet enchanting voice sounded. There behind the table, sitting on a reclining chair. Beauty is an understatement to describe her, she looks like a prideful noble girl.

Ash is feeling a little bit embarrassed for gawking at her for the whole 5 seconds. He wouldn't have snapped out from his thoughts if he didn't receive pain from his waist. Making him yelp inwardly.

"Ah! Giselle that is Brock." Joe's expression became distorted as he panicked. He looks at Ash for help.

"Brock doesn't cause trouble," Ash called out to Brock who was on the corner hugging his knees looking very depressed as he muttered. 'She says I'm vulgar, vulgar....'

"Hmph! Who are they supposed to be student Joe? Why are they here?" Giselle put down the pen she was holding and eyed Ash and his group.

"W-Well they are here to tour and learn about the school. Also, requesting to use the Guesthouse " Joe's face reddened when Giselle called out his name. It's not because he was embarrassed. He admires Giselle because of her beauty. Also, he was happy to hear she knew his name.

Ash sigh inwardly 'Youth.... wait I'm also young. I sound like an Old man.'

Ash is looking at Giselle and can't help but admire her figure. Like Leaf and Misty, they look different from Canon. Not cartoonish but a real beauty. He thanked Arceus in his heart. Though he still doesn't know who reincarnated him.

Leaf and Misty look at each other and nodded. They feel a little bit threatened by the girl's looks.

Misty whispered to Ash quietly and asked. "Ash, do you like her?"

Ash raised his eyebrow and plainly said. "I will not lie to you, yes I like her. Not to the point, I want her. She is beautiful and I admire her."

"Pfft! Are you planning to have a harem yourself!" Misty chimed. "Well, You have me and Leaf, I think you already have a harem."

"Well, compared to her, I genuinely love you two whereas I like her for her beauty." Ash honestly said.

Leaf and Misty blushed and didn't say anything.

"Here! Your request has been approved. You only have two days to stay here. You can freely use the equipment if you want to train. Don't bother the students and keep in mind don't cause any trouble or prepare to pack up yourselves and get out." Giselle handed Joe a card. Her eyes squinted looking serious as she reprimands Ash's party.

"We understand." Ash and his party nod.

"Now, get out of my office... And Misty long time no see." Giselle strongly said but when the group prepared to get out. Giselle called out Misty's name.

Misty turn around a bit confused. "How do you know me?"

Giselle stops her hands again and looks at Misty. "It appears you have forgotten my existence. I'm a bit saddened by your lack of memories. Well, It's already been 6 years since the last time we met."

Misty scrunched her brows. Trying to recall what Giselle said and she exclaimed. "Ah, remember! You are that haughty girl in the past. My parents and yours were friends and you usually visit the gym, you would always cry when I bully." Misty hit her palm with a fist.

Giselle's eyebrows twitched. "Oh my, you're still vulgar as always. Won't you ever grow up like a noble lady like me? I bet there's no boy will like you "

Giselle is older than Misty by two years but she was still bullied by the little tomboy in the past and it would always haunt her from today. She was older yet she got done by a girl two years younger than her. Her pride cracked that day.

Misty's smile widened as she grabs Ash's hand and said. "Giselle, this is Ash Ketchum, my boyfriend."

Giselle's eyes lost their light. Yet again, she lost to the same girl. She wanted to cry and break her character. These past few years, many suitors wanted her to be their girlfriend but she was quite picky. She didn't saw anyone suitable enough to be her boyfriend. And so, she remained single.

"Hey, Giselle." Misty approaches the girl and wave her hand over Giselle's face.

"I lost again," Giselle murmured. She then snaps out from her thoughts and said calmly. "Congratulations." However, her mind was moving faster. No one knows what she was thinking.

Giselle looks at Ash as Ash saw her eyes flashed. He unconsciously shivered. 'This girl is targeting me. Did this girl also make Misty her rival? And from the look of it, she lost to Misty twice. I think her pride won't allow that. I read too many novels about noble ladies and their pride.'

Ash gears were also rushing. He might have experienced this type of girl from the past but he kind of foresaw what they would do.

Misty talk to Giselle for a bit before going out with Ash's party. Joe handed Ash the card and explained what it is. He also guided the group to the guesthouse.

After settling in the guesthouse, Brock cooks their lunch. In the meantime, Misty and Leaf decided to play with their pokemon on the porch. Ash thought for a moment as he decided to train himself.

He was thinking of the future. Even if they have pokemon on hand to protect them. It was never really a good option for him, considering the danger would befall them in the future. It's better to improve now than later. His mindset is now different, he will never wait for the hardships to come.

While training his pokemon, Ash also trained himself in the backyard. He didn't stop despite the pain and sweat until Brock called them out for lunch.

After they had their meal. Misty and Leaf asked Ash if he wanted to come with them, mainly going to see the equipment that Joe and Giselle take their pride in. They were trying to entice Ash's group to use the equipment. But Ash already knows that those things are like a game and unrealistic. Using those is no different than playing around, in the face of true combat experience, those things are inferior.

Ash was worried that there would be idiots that will eye on his girls. He didn't want to come but he also didn't want anyone to have malicious intent on Misty and Leaf, both were beautiful young girls after all.

They waited for Joe since that boy knew where the equipment is. He was also their tour guide.

While the two girls were admiring the equipment and notice that compare to combat experience they were inferior. They lost interest after using it for a bit.

As they tried to go back to the guesthouse. Giselle blocks their way.

"Ash Ketchum right?" Giselle asked as she eyed the young raven-haired boy.

Ash sighs inwardly but still nods.

"Would you mind having a battle with me?" Giselle politely asked him.

"Okay." Ash accepts.

"Though, if I win, can I ask you a favor?" Her eyes glinted when she said those words.

Ash frowned. He was slightly hesitant in accepting. "What would it be?"

"That's a secret." Giselle mused. But her eyes are like predators eyeing at Ash.

Misty and Leaf were shaking their heads and they both sighed. Misty despite being dense herself, like any other girl, she could read what Giselle is thinking.